Cancelled Operation - HELP

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My mum was due to have a hemicolectomy this coming Friday morning and the hospital has called and said it's been cancelled and will now take place on the 7th August. 

That's a month further down the line and she's been in the Cancer referral process since early May. 

Her colonoscopy biopsy results were inconclusive but highly suggestive for cancer. We saw a picture of a 10cm long tumour in her ascending colon.  

Surely time is of the essence with this given they don't know exactly what stage and type of cancer it is?

  • Hi SPM321

    Time can indeed be important when it comes down to cancer, hence the 2WW NICE guidelines.

    Some on this forum flag that bowel cancer is generally slow growing - i'm no medical expert so not in a position to confirm that.

    I am however sure the hospital wouldn't mind you or your mum querying the reasons and potential risks of delay. This is best at consultant (or consultant secretary) level rather than booking teams.

    My own diagnosis last year was delayed due to resource constraints, but I found politely challenging the booking teams too and offering to take any last minute cancellation slots reduced a bit of the impact.

    Could either or both these be helpful in your mum's case?